Carol's heart skipped. She had expected Courtney to diffuse the situation using her influence, but that plan failed miserably. "I see. Listen… I can arrange around half a million. Could you please loan me the remaining one and a half million dollars? I will return the amount as soon as I can."Courtney sounded apologetic. "Carol… Sweetie… What is one and a half mil between friends? I can even give you twenty million dollars!"Carol sighed in relief. "Really? That would be a great help-""However, all my money is tied up in investments," Courtney cut her off. "It will take me at least three days to arrange the amount. Can you wait till then?"Tears welled up in Carol's eyes. "I need the money by this evening… God! I don't know what to do…""Hmm… Let me think," Courtney replied thoughtfully. "There's a private bank in North Springfield called the Bank of Talmuth. They give out high-value informal loans to billionaires. Why don't you make an application there?""Oh, that sounds great!"

"What!" Carol spat, her anger bursting like a volcano. "He's lying! I didn't even touch the lockers!""Moreover, she threatened me with pepper spray unless I let her out with the diamond…"The security guy raised his brows and turned to Carol. "Ma'am… Please hand over the diamond right now."Carol looked scandalized. What sort of nonsense was Duncan blabbering? A diamond? Theft? But she realized she had to convince the security guy of her innocence. Carol emptied the contents of her purse. She was wearing a blouse and a pencil skirt with a sweater. Therefore, the beauty explained that her clothes had no pockets. "See… There's nothing on me. The Chairman is lying!"Duncan pointed an accusing finger at Carol. "No! She stole the diamond! I saw it with my own eyes! Norman! You need to conduct a strip search!"The security guard nodded and locked the door. "Ma'am, please walk up to the wall behind you and take off your clothes. I need to carry out a cavity inspection."Carol looked as if

Duncan scoffed. "Why does it matter to you? Is she your friend? Carol is simply a body I wanted to possess. Now scram! You don't even own a home by the look of your clothes. I can't have such trash walking around in my bank.""I am Carol's ex-husband. Victor Damone."The Chairman spat on the floor. "Oh, is that so? Did you use explosives to break down the security door? You must be a criminal of some sort! I will implicate you in this robbery too! Norman! Call the cops now!""Oh, indeed, the police will arrive in no time," Victor told him, his voice unwavering. "But they will find two corpses here.""What the fuck are you spouting, you piece of trash?" Duncan barked. His attention went to Carol's top lying on the floor. In her rush to leave, she had left the piece of clothing behind. The Chairman's eyes glinted, and his nostrils flared. He will have her body one day. For the moment, he could take a whiff of her fragrance from her top.Duncan disregarded Victor and bent over to pick u

Mayfair Lagoon, the grand five-star hotel, shone like a bride on her wedding day. Claire Holt had leased it to the Global Art Forum for five million dollars.Hundreds of expensive luxury cars adorned the parking lot. The red carpet had been rolled out and international paparazzi swarmed the hotel's front entrance like bees.After all, the Global Art Forum was being held in Springfield for the first time. Such a major event came to the city because it expanded rapidly over the past year, attracting tremendous investment. This growth could be attributed mainly to the Rapids Project, helmed by the Triumvirate of Springfield—Johnson, Baron, and Ribald. Even the Blackwell Conglomerate had joined the venture, along with Rose Atelier and Edward Shannon.The Global Art Forum showcased ancient, medieval, and modern art and sculpture from the leading artists of the world. Industrialists, senators, movie celebrities—top-notch people from the wealthy folds graced the event alike. The popular diva

Victor raised an eyebrow. "I'm glad that you realized the truth," he told her calmly. "I have repeatedly told you they don't want you to prosper or be happy. They are selfish and narcissistic, the worst kind of human beings."Carol flinched at his description but nodded. Her eyes were moist. "I know you don't get along with them. But you should also understand that they are my family. No matter what they say or do, I will not abandon them."Victor offered her a wry smile. "I understand." This was one thing he liked about his ex-wife. A woman who was as attractive as Carol would be proud, arrogant, and haughty. She would abandon close ones for her comfort and convenience. But Carol had firm principles, and she loved her dear ones unconditionally. Victor's only concern was that she never extended the same special treatment to him."I want to talk to you about something…" Carol murmured."Go ahead."Carol pursed her lips and averted her eyes. "Our divorce.. It was unfortunate… Now I real